Deus Ex: Human Revolution -- The Basics

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Even cybernetically enhanced soldiers need to start somewhere.

By IGN Staff

Adam Jensen has it rough. Not only is he seriously wounded in a work-related accident (security for a biotech firm is risky business), but his injury leaves him no choice but to undergo painful procedures to augment his body with cybernetic enhancements. This is the hero of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, a video game from Eidos Studios Montreal. If you haven't kept up with Deus Ex, now's your chance to learn the ropes. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a lot more than a normal shooter -- it's a game of choice.

What is Deus Ex: Human Revolution?Deus Ex: Human Revolution is the third title in the Deus Ex series and serves as a prequel to the original Deus Ex. Although you play from a first-person perspective, Human Revolution isn't quite a first-person shooter due to its heavy emphasis on player choice, stealth mechanics, and role-playing elements.

What's the story here? You'll fill the shiny black boots of one Adam Jensen, a security agent at Sarif Industries -- a firm specializing in biotechnology and human augmentation. During a tactical strike on Sarif, Jensen is severely injured and is forced to undergo augmentative procedures to save his life.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution deals with complex political and philosophical themes with human augmentation playing a central role.

What's with all the black and gold? The color scheme of Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an important design choice Eidos Montreal made during the development process. Black and gold are rarely associated with science-fiction themes and this color palette dominates everything in Deus Ex, from character design to environmental art.

How do I play? Due to Jensen's augmentations, you'll have the ability to upgrade his abilities in several ways over the course of Human Revolution. Points can be assigned to different skills, including strength-based techniques and stealth capabilities. Jensen can also develop the ability to hack into enemy tech and use it to his advantage, or employ personal cloaking to avoid combat altogether.

Can I use any power I want? The special abilities in Deus Ex: Human Revolution are limited by a segmented power gauge. Using an ability will begin to deplete Jensen's power, though remaining idle will gradually refill the gauge. Jensen's energy will not return if an entire segment has been depleted, however -- only partially depleted segments will recharge. This is meant to encourage smart use of his abilities.

Will I be able to play with my friends? Currently, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is single-player only. But your friends can watch you play!

When does Deus Ex come out? Human Revolution will be available August 23, 2011.